Following the surprise ousting of city manager Regan Candelario, the new interim manager, police Chief Adam McGill, said his top priority will be working to restore public trust in the government.

“I’m committed to being as transparent as we possibly can, being honest and having the self awareness of some of the public perceptions of the city and the city government,” McGill said Friday. “We’ll be working hard to address those and provide ethical leadership to our community, to the council and to the employees.”

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After placing Candelario on paid administrative leave on Tuesday, the Novato City Council met in a marathon closed session hearing on Thursday afternoon to discuss the transition. Five hours later, the council announced that it voted unanimously to appoint McGill to serve as interim city manager. McGill has about 28 years of public service experience in various police departments throughout the state.

“Adam has proven that he has the leadership skills and community focus needed to maintain and enhance the services provided to Novato residents and businesses and to work effectively with all city staff and the full council,” Mayor Eric Lucan said after the council’s meeting Thursday.

Councilwoman Pat Eklund said the city is “fortunate to have someone of Adam’s integrity to support the city council during this transition.”

The reasoning behind Candelario’s firing remains unclear. Speaking Thursday, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Athas said the council appreciated Candelario’s three years of service to the city, but said the council “decided to go a different direction.”

Lucan declined to comment on Friday as to why the council decided to oust Candelario.

Candelario could not be reached for comment Friday.

McGill said he didn’t know if anyone expected the council’s action.

“The organization is shocked, but we’re working through that with the employees and being mindful of the challenges that creates in a transition like this,” McGill said. “I’ve been in public service a long time and I’m committed to helping the city as best I can and appreciate the council’s support.”

Candelario came under public scrutiny last month after the controversial employment histories of two city financial consultants came to light. One of the consultants had recently been appointed interim finance manager for the city. Candelario fired both consultants shortly after, stating that the city relied on the consulting firms to conduct the background checks. The city was aware of some of the employment history, Candelario said, but not all aspects, though he didn’t specify what those were.

McGill will still retain his role as police chief, which he has held since 2017. To compensate him for this dual role, McGill will receive a 5% pay bump that will bring his annual salary up to about $220,500.

While he might be working across the street in the city administrative offices more, McGill said he’ll still be paying attention to what’s going on in the police department. In the transition period, the department’s “two fantastic captains” will ensure the community won’t see any lapses in service, he said.

“There will be some long days and nights, but I’m fortunate to have a very strong leadership team at the police department and the officers and the staff,” McGill said. “We have an exceptional team so I have every confidence they will continue to deliver top shelf service. I’m not going anywhere.”

As to whether McGill plans to throw his hat in the ring to become the permanent city manager, McGill said it’s premature to be thinking about that.

“There has been no communication or discussions about moving forward with a permanent recruitment or replacement with anyone else,” McGill said. “One day at a time here.”

In an email on Friday, Assistant City Manager Michael Antwine said he has made a personal commitment to Lucan, Athas and McGill that he will “support them in every way possible and give them all of my support, energy and efforts to help the city of Novato and its wonderful residents through this current transition period.”

The reshuffling of the city’s top management comes as the council is set to go through its own changes. Councilman Josh Fryday is set to step down in September to take on the role of the state’s chief service officer after being appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in mid-July. His seat will remain vacant until after the November election in which three candidates — Melissa Galliani, Marie Hoch and Amy Peele — are vying for the District 5 seat. Councilwoman Pam Drew has also not filed for reelection, with Jim Petray and Susan Wernick contending for the District 1 seat. Lucan is seeking a third term with Kevin Morrison challenging him.